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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Rev. Joseph E. Flood, a member of the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers, served in Massachusetts for several decades. Ordained in 1949, he was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills, within the Diocese of Springfield, where he worked from 1971 to 1985. These assignments placed him in regular contact with parishioners, including young people in the community.
In August 2002, six years after Flood’s death in October 1996, allegations emerged of sexual abuse connected to his ministry. According to a 2002 Boston Globe investigation, six men alleged that they had been abused as boys by either Flood or fellow Stigmatine priest Richard J. Ahern; the alleged abuse was said to have occurred in Springfield, Agawam, and New Hampshire. The Diocese of Springfield reviewed these allegations and determined them to be credible, with a reported timeframe of 1971 to 1984. Flood was added to the Diocese’s official list of credibly accused clergy in June 2021.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
For survivors, the public acknowledgment of credible allegations like these can resurface painful memories carried alone for many years. The Diocese of Springfield’s decision to include Flood on its credibly accused list reflects a broader reckoning with institutional accountability — and with the responsibility of organizations to protect those in their care.
Civil claims may play a vital role in this process, potentially offering survivors an avenue to seek accountability from institutions that may have failed to prevent abuse. By coming forward, survivors may help protect others and encourage those still carrying their experiences in silence to speak without fear or shame. Each voice contributes to a culture of accountability in which institutions are compelled to confront the truth.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
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Herman law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agencies cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable. I am forever grateful and can now live a life enveloped in healing and hope. Thank you Herman law family. Love you guys!!
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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